Why a Plant-Based Diet is the best way to lose weight

I wanted to write this blog post a long time ago. Mainly because I ‚ve read so many comments online of people asking other people how many calories they eat and if it is ok to eat meat or cheese or honey or whatever. It tells me that there is a thirst of knowledge out there and many are confused.

What about you: Are you confused? Do you reflect on your daily diet? Did you ever wanted to lose weight?

I am sure many of you can answer these questions with yes and this is totally fine.

Before I start getting deeper into the topic let me tell you some general things. (I want to do this in order to avoid questions or accusations afterward)

• I am not an expert on nutrition. I don’t have a diploma or anything. All my knowledge stems from my research in books, from the internet and from a vivid exchange with friends.
• I found my ideal diet (the plant-based diet). This does not mean that it appeals to you and does the same great things to your body. I think an open mind to new things is the best thing one can have.
• Don’t judge before you’ve tried something. You might be surprised how certain changes in your daily habits can improve your life.
• I never judge on other diets. If people feel good with cheese or sweets I am totally fine with this. After all, I still believe that a good balance is key to success.

Plant-based diets are rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are high in fiber and take longer to digest, which may keep you feeling fuller longer and help you eat less. The fact that I like most about plant-based diets is the lack of all the additives and artificial sugar. While you are reading this you might think:

YEAH, I CAN TOTALLY NOT IMAGINE LIVING A LIFE EATING A 100% CLEAN

Good thing is, you don’t have too! Once you figure out that veggies and nutrition dense foods are good for your body, you can try to incorporate them as much as possible. This effect will always be good and never be destroyed by you eating a Snickers or a slice of white bread. Let me give you an example.

You start your day on Monday with a plant-based chocolate smoothie bowl topped with a lot of fruits, followed by a colorful salad with sweet potato fries and then you eat a Snickers. IT’S FINE!

You are human and you try your best. Your diet won’t be ruined by this. Remember one healthy meal doesn’t make you fit and one bad meal doesn’t make you fat. Maybe next time you remember you had these huge afternoon chocolate cravings and then you are prepared maybe with no-sugar, homemade Vegan Twix Bars or Chocolate Pomegranate ginger barks?

I am aware that not everyone has the time to daily bake or create healthy sweets, but most of the time it is all a matter of good timing and the willpower to do it. So many recipes are made in less than 10 minutes so there is no excuse! It is only logical that the more you substitute high-calorie „empty“ foods with nutritious and filling foods, the more pounds you lose. Of course, you should not forget other factors such as daily movement. If you are into sport, perfect! I try to work out 3-4 times a week, mostly a mix of Yoga, Running, Strength Exercises or short HIT  workouts. Next to this I try to move as much as possible during the day by taking the bike, using the stairs or by simply taking a 10 minutes walk after eating. I am sure everyone has „something that he or she likes. All movement is great and does only support your healthy new journey.

Speaking from my perspective, I can say that this transition was a two-year transition! It was only last year when I finally arrived at the point where I was satisfied with my body, and me. (Blogpost „I am losing weight on a daily 3000kcal basis“)

Don’t expect to lose 4 pounds in 1 day as these low-carb or detox diets might promise. These effects are (in my opinion!) just temporarily. I personally cannot imagine not eating carbs for the rest of my life or being restrictive as some diets request. But then again this is me. My mom once said to me all the foods that „expire“ after some days are actually fresh and good for you. All the stuff that does not expire after 1 year must be artificial in some way. This was always a good point to start from for me.

To justify the title of this post, I can claim that for me the plant-based diet was the best way to lose weight. Definitely, there was more behind it for me. It makes you definitely more think about what foods you give your body and maybe you get more sensitive about reading labels on certain ready-made foods. For me going plant-based isn’t about losing weight, it’s a lifestyle change that brings along so many benefits as better skin, more happy days than sad days, more energy and reduced cravings.

Losing a few pounds was a nice side effect, but never the reason I started this.